Yep, the sham sessions have been around for a while, specifically in the attempt to thwart recess appointments. My point was that circumstances are different now, far more confrontational, (to which you allude in another thread today). The President was taking a bigger risk, almost certain the intransigent bloc would initiate a suit. That issue bouncing around in the courts as the election approaches would be (or will be) spun unmercifully by the superPACs.
And hey, just ignore that our intelligence has been questioned. As you know, this is a typical response when there's nothing left to refute the facts. Some folks just can't stand the idea that a valid point might be made by someone who does not share their views entirely.

The explaination would have been adequate without that final zinger. That is what I'm talking about, you almost always end with an insult. I think you generally have thoughtful and intelligent posts, but you seem unable to resist a tweak at the end, which may destroy your effort to change the hearts and minds of people with differing views.

I am what I am and I'm not aiming to be a "role model" here. I was a bit ticked at the way you posted your comment to me and I responded as I'm wont to do.

I'm sorry you're easily offended. (oops, I did it again)

Okay internet tough-guy, I'll stand on my previous comments.

Lighten up a little. You'll live longer. (I do like the tough guy thing, though. At least you give me a laugh)

No biggie, just trying to pass along a little constructive criticism. By the way the operative word was internet.

The manner in which Obama had made these recess appointment is in keeping with his personal "artful dodger, sneak around, behind a screen, in the dark, without consulting anyone, manner in order to realize his european life style agenda. The Consumer Fraud Financial and NLRB rulings are going to be a death blows to business.

rubicon - i pretty much agree with your post. where i disagree is with your statement that the pres doesn't consult with anyone...i think he conslts A LOT with david alexander! matter of fact, i think david alexander pulls a lot of the president's strings!

Who is David Alexander? I never heard of him.

I googled him and he is apparantly either a partner at Trinity Hunt in Dallas, or one of the worlds greatest entertainers from Wales.

janmcn - thanx for the catch - am doing too mmuch today with cooking, laundry and my mother's phone calls.

meant david axlerod. and david plouffe is probably on the phone often, too!

back to cooking and laundry - later.

Axelrod and Plouffe are political advisors - don't think they get much input on policy decisions.

Can't imagine why you think that. Axelrod is one of the closest people to, and has unlimited access to Obama. He is Obama's "go to" guy. I'd say he has about as much influence on policy in this administration as anyone.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/09/us...pagewanted=all

Interesting article which does nothing to change my opinion that he is a political advisor and not involved in policy making. He frames the message and helps the president's communication of policy. From the article......
Mr. Axelrod rejects the comparison [with Rove], saying that he is more of a protector of Mr. Obama’s image and message than a policy maker or strategist intent on remaking the country’s political DNA, as Mr. Rove often talked about.

"The circle around Mr. Obama has grown exponentially since he arrived in the White House. An army of new assistants, deputies and advisers surrounds him, but it is Mr. Axelrod who sits the closest to the Oval Office. His proximity is a symbol, in a unique West Wing kind of way, of how close he remains to Mr. Obama."

"Mr. Axelrod has played a major role in framing the message of the domestic agenda, from the economic stimulus plan to health care. He has devoted far less time to foreign policy, given the amount of time the president spends dealing with the nation’s fiscal crisis."

I'm still not sure how you can downplay Axelrod's influence with Obama on his policy decisions. I'm also not sure why you want to.

I would say from this article it is clear that his job is exactly that of helping craft the message that Obama sends in order to put things in it's best light in care of Obama's image.

Is there another reason you wish to separate Axelrod from Obama's policy decisions?